Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Company v. Sevier County Electric System

08/23/2022

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

AT KNOXVILLE

May 10, 2022 Session

ALLSTATE PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ET AL. v.

SEVIER COUNTY ELECTRIC SYSTEM ET AL.

Appeal from the Circuit Court for Sevier County

Nos. 17-CV-797-III, 17-CV-799-IV, 17-CV-800-III, 17-CV-806-III, 18-CV-781-II

Rex H. Ogle, Judge

___________________________________

No. E2021-00297-COA-R3-CV

___________________________________

This appeal involves several consolidated lawsuits that were filed by insurance

companies concerning a wildfire that occurred in Sevier County on November 28, 2016.

The insurance companies alleged that the fire was sparked by dead or diseased trees

falling on or striking electrical lines and that the fire quickly spread to neighboring

properties, including properties owned by their insureds. The insurance companies urged

that the defendant vegetation management contractor should be held liable for the losses

for failing to prune or remove the diseased trees before they contacted the power lines.

The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the vegetation management

contractor, determining, inter alia, that the contractor owed no duty to inspect or remove

trees that were located outside the right of way that the contractor had agreed to maintain.

The insurance companies have appealed. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm the

trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the vegetation management contractor.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court

Affirmed; Case Remanded

THOMAS R. FRIERSON, II, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which JOHN W.

MCCLARTY and KRISTI M. DAVIS, JJ., joined.

Matthew J. Evans, Knoxville, Tennessee; Mark S. Grotefeld, Austin, Texas; Amy L.

Dvorak, Emma L. Gaddipati, and Mark L. McGuire, Chicago, Illinois; Shawn E. Caine,

Del Mar, California; and Craig S. Simon, Irvine, California, for the appellants, Allstate

Property & Casualty Insurance Company; Allstate Vehicle & Property Insurance

Company; Allstate Indemnity Company; Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company;

Allstate Insurance Company; Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company; Cincinnati

Insurance Company; Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Group; Farmers

Insurance Exchange; Foremost Insurance Company Grand Rapids, Michigan; Garrison

Property and Casualty Company; General Insurance Company of America; Homesite

Insurance Company of the Midwest; LM Insurance Corporation; Lexington Insurance

Company, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co.; Metropolitan Property & Casualty

Company; Safeco Insurance Company of America; State Farm Fire & Casualty

Company; State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company; United National

Insurance Company; United Services Automobile Association; USAA Casualty

Insurance Company; and USAA General Indemnity Company.1

Jessalyn H. Zeigler, Sara Morgan, and Scott D. Gallisdorfer, Nashville, Tennessee, for

the appellee, Wolf Tree Experts, Inc.

OPINION

I. Factual and Procedural Background

The initial plaintiffs, Farmers Insurance Exchange, Foremost Insurance Company

Grand Rapids Michigan, and United National Insurance Company, filed a complaint in

the Sevier County Circuit Court (“trial court”) on November 22, 2017, against the City of

Sevierville (“the City”); Sevier County Electric System (“SCES”); and SCES’s

vegetation management (“VM”) contractor, Wolf Tree, Inc. (“Wolf”) (collectively,

“Defendants”). The plaintiffs alleged, inter alia, that a wildfire broke out on November

28, 2016, near Little Cove Road in Sevierville, Tennessee, and quickly spread to adjacent

properties, including properties owned by the plaintiffs’ insureds, causing damage thereto

and resulting in insurance claims being filed concerning such damage. The plaintiffs

further alleged that they had paid or would pay these claims, resulting in the plaintiffs

having a right of subrogation such that they stood in the shoes of their policyholders and

could seek payment from Defendants.

The plaintiffs averred that although Defendants had notice of a dangerous and

defective condition concerning decaying and diseased trees located near electrical

transmission and distribution lines, Defendants had failed to take action to prevent harm.

The plaintiffs claimed that these trees had manifested visible signs of decay and that

Defendants should have known that contact between these trees and energized power

lines would result in electrical failure, fire, and property damage. According to the

plaintiffs, on November 28, 2016, two Scarlet Oak trees fell due to their diseased

condition and contacted the power lines, causing electrical arcing and sparks that ignited

nearby vegetation and resulted in a wildfire (“Little Cove Fire”).

1

We have adopted the list of plaintiffs/appellants provided in the appellants’ brief on page 10, footnote 2,

having determined such a list difficult to discern from the appellate record.

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The plaintiffs also alleged that Defendants were negligent due to, inter alia, their

failure to identify and remove the diseased trees, which created a foreseeable risk to the

insureds’ property. Moreover, the plaintiffs asserted that because Defendants’ actions or

inaction caused the Little Cove Fire, Defendants should be held liable for trespass

inasmuch as the Little Cove Fire constituted an unauthorized entry upon the insureds’

property. The plaintiffs further alleged that Defendants’ actions/inaction had created a

nuisance that interfered with the insureds’ use and enjoyment of their property. With

regard to Wolf specifically, the plaintiffs advanced that Wolf had a duty to conduct its

vegetation management and hazardous tree abatement activities in a reasonable,

competent, and workmanlike manner to prevent trees from contacting the electrical

transmission lines and causing damage to their insureds’ property. The plaintiffs

therefore sought compensatory, consequential, and incidental damages as well as pre- and

post-judgment interest and attorney’s fees from Defendants.

Similar complaints were concomitantly filed in the trial court by other insurance

companies, including Homesite Insurance Company of the Midwest, United Services

Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity

Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Company, Allstate Property & Casualty

Insurance Company, Allstate Vehicle & Property Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity

Company, Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Insurance Company,

Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, LM Insurance Corporation, Metropolitan

Property & Casualty Company, State Farm Fire & Casualty Company, and State Farm

Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (collectively, along with the initial plaintiffs,

“Plaintiffs”).

Defendants filed motions seeking to consolidate the actions, which motions were

granted by the trial court. Plaintiffs subsequently filed a motion seeking to consolidate

the actions involving the Little Cove Fire and to separately consolidate certain related

actions filed in the trial court involving another fire that began around Red Fox Trail in

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (“Cobbly Nob Fire”).2 Plaintiffs also sought to have the prior

consolidation orders set aside. Defendants opposed Plaintiffs’ motions to consolidate the

Little Cove and Cobbly Nob cases separately and to set aside the previous consolidation

orders.

Meanwhile, SCES and the City filed answers to the complaints denying liability

and asserting various affirmative defenses, including governmental immunity. Wolf

likewise filed answers to the complaints denying liability and asserting various

affirmative defenses, including lack of duty and lack of proximate cause.

2

According to the record, the Little Cove Fire involved trees located on SCES’s “Wears Valley circuit”

and the Cobbly Nob Fire involved trees located on SCES’s “Jones Cove circuit.”

-3-

The trial court entered an order on March 19, 2018, setting aside the earlier

consolidation orders and consolidating all of the cases for purposes of discovery and

pretrial motions only. The order provided in part that Judge James L. Gass would preside

over pretrial motions and discovery issues in the consolidated actions and that any party

could move for consolidation for trial purposes at a later date.

On April 2, 2018, the City filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that the

City was entitled to judgment as a matter of law based on the immunity provisions of the

Governmental Tort Liability Act (“GTLA”). In support, the City filed the affidavit of

Allen Robbins, superintendent of SCES. Mr. Robbins explained that the City did not

own, control, or maintain any of the electric distribution lines. Rather, those lines were

owned and controlled by SCES. Mr. Robbins further explained that SCES had contracted

with Wolf to perform VM services and that the City did not perform such services and

was not a party to the contract. The City filed a similar affidavit executed by Russell

Treadway, City Manager for the City. The City also filed a statement of undisputed

material facts. On May 18, 2018, Plaintiffs filed a notice of voluntary dismissal with

respect to their claims against the City. An order of dismissal concerning Plaintiffs’

claims against the City was entered on June 1, 2018.

On November 26, 2018, Safeco Insurance Company of America (“Safeco”) filed a

complaint against SCES and Wolf, containing substantially the same allegations as

included in the earlier complaints. On December 31, 2018, Safeco filed a notice of

voluntary nonsuit concerning its claims against SCES. The trial court entered an order

dismissing Safeco’s claims against SCES on January 4, 2019. On January 30, 2019,

Wolf filed an answer to Safeco’s complaint, denying liability.

On March 7, 2019, SCES filed a motion seeking to amend its answer pursuant to

Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 15 by adding additional defenses. On April 22, 2019,

Wolf filed a motion seeking to consolidate the complaint filed by Safeco with the other

consolidated cases.

Wolf concomitantly filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing that Wolf was

entitled to judgment as a matter of law concerning Plaintiffs’ allegations of negligence

because Wolf owed no duty to Plaintiffs to inspect or remove allegedly hazardous trees

that existed outside the fifty-foot right of way that Wolf was contractually obligated to

maintain. Wolf further argued that Plaintiffs could show no evidence of a negligent or

intentional trespass or nuisance. In support, Wolf filed a statement of undisputed

material facts along with an affidavit from one of Wolf’s attorneys, attaching a copy of

the contract between Wolf and SCES, a copy of SCES’s “Right-of-Way Vegetation

Management Requirements & Standards,” portions of the National Electrical Safety

Code, portions of certain fire and other codes, and various photographs. Wolf also

attached the affidavit of Ryan Lynch, land surveyor and co-owner of Lynch Surveys,

LLC, who stated that he had identified the trees in question and that they were

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respectively located thirty-three and thirty-eight feet outside the boundaries of the right of

way maintained by Wolf.

On April 26, 2019, the trial court entered an order allowing SCES to amend its

answer to include additional defenses. On May 3, 2019, the trial court entered an order

clarifying that dispositive motions would be heard by the judge assigned to the particular

case in which the motion was filed. On May 7, 2019, an order was entered consolidating

the Safeco matter with the other cases for purposes of discovery and pretrial motions.

Wolf and SCES (now collectively, “Defendants”) subsequently filed a joint

motion asking the trial court to reconsider its May 3, 2019 order such that dispositive

motions could be filed in the consolidated action and heard by one judge, for reasons of

judicial economy. Defendants insisted that unless the motions were consolidated, they

would have to set nine summary judgment hearings before four different judges. Wolf

asserted that its summary judgment motions, whether filed concerning the Cobbly Nob

Fire or the Little Cove Fire, contained the same legal arguments. On May 30, 2019, the

trial court entered an order consolidating the claims concerning the Cobbly Nob Fire into

one action, to be heard by Judge Carter S. Moore, and consolidating the claims

concerning the Little Cove Fire into a separate action, to be heard by Judge Rex Henry

Ogle.

On January 24, 2020, certain plaintiffs filed a response to Wolf’s motion for

summary judgment, contending that Wolf had maintained a duty to remove or prune trees

with the potential to affect electrical lines. In turn, they also posited that they had stated

valid claims of trespass by fire and nuisance. These plaintiffs filed a response to Wolf’s

statement of undisputed material facts, delineating certain facts that were in dispute.

They also filed an affidavit from one of their attorneys attaching various documents

including copies of the ANSI A300 standards concerning trees; deposition transcripts;

discovery responses; the affidavit of Michael Neal, a VM consultant; and an affidavit of

Michael Mahoney, a consulting arborist. Other plaintiffs subsequently adopted this

response. Wolf thereafter filed additional documents in support of its summary judgment

motion, including a reply concerning standards applicable in Tennessee and a response to

Plaintiffs’ additional statements of undisputed material fact.

The trial court conducted a hearing relative to Wolf’s summary judgment motion

on February 4, 2020. On September 22, 2020, the trial court entered an order granting

summary judgment in favor of Wolf. In its order, with regard to Plaintiffs’ negligence

claims based on a statutory duty, the trial court determined that although Tennessee had

adopted the National Electric Safety Code (“NESC”) by reference in Tennessee Code

Annotated § 68-101-104(a)(2), “[t]he NESC does not place any duty upon [Wolf] with

respect to its actions in removal of hazardous trees.” The court therefore found that no

statutory duty applied.

-5-

Respecting any duty based on contract, the trial court determined that the clear

language of the contract required Wolf to abide by the specifications of the Sevier County

Electric System Right-of-Way Vegetation Management Requirements and Standards,

which only addressed what Wolf should do within the fifty-foot right of way. The court

concluded that inasmuch as the trees in question were undisputedly located outside the

right of way, Wolf had no duty to inspect or remove them pursuant to the contract.

Furthermore, the court rejected Plaintiffs’ arguments that a duty could be imposed on

Wolf based upon the provisions of the ANSI A300 standards or the IVM Best

Management Practices.

With regard to whether Tennessee common law imposed any additional duty in

tort, the trial court found that it did not. The court determined that Wolf’s actions did not

amount to misfeasance or assumption of duty. Finally, the trial court concluded that

Plaintiffs’ claims of trespass and nuisance were also without merit.

On October 21, 2020, Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking permission for an

interlocutory appeal and for a stay. In response, Wolf asked the trial court to defer ruling

on this motion until a decision was rendered concerning Wolf’s summary judgment

motion filed in the companion Cobbly Nob Fire case.

On February 19, 2021, the trial court entered an order of final judgment, pursuant

to Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 54.02, concerning Plaintiffs’ claims against Wolf.

The court determined that there was no just reason for delay and directed entry of a final

judgment dismissing all claims against Wolf. The court stayed the claims pending

against SCES until this appeal was concluded. The court also denied Plaintiffs’ motion

for an interlocutory appeal and Wolf’s motion to defer as moot. Plaintiffs timely filed a

notice of appeal on March 18, 2021.

II. Issues Presented

Plaintiffs present the following issues for this Court’s review, which we have

restated slightly:

1. Whether the trial court erred in its grant of summary judgment in

Wolf’s favor because Wolf owed Plaintiffs a duty to exercise

reasonable care in the performance of utility tree and vegetation

management services.

2. Whether Tennessee common law’s heightened duty of reasonable

care for utilities in performing vegetation management surrounding

power lines applies to contractors hired by utilities to perform

vegetation management on the utility’s behalf.

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3. Whether Tennessee’s public policy and the Satterfield factors

support the imposition of a duty upon Wolf under the facts presented

in this action.

4. Whether a vegetation management contractor who agrees to perform

vegetation management services on behalf of a public utility has a

duty to comply with state and/or local vegetation management

regulations applicable to the work and if so, whether Wolf had a

duty to comply with the NESC, as adopted by Tennessee Code

Annotated § 68-101-104(a)(2).

5. Whether Wolf was required to comply with all state statutes and

regulations, including the NESC and Tennessee Code Annotated §

68-101-104(a)(2), by reason of its contractual agreement to comply

with Tree Line USA Guidelines, which included a requirement that

Tree Line USA members must comply with all state and local rules

applicable to vegetation management.

6. Whether Tennessee recognizes prevailing industry standards, such as

ANSI A300 and IVM Best Management Practices, as evidence of a

common law duty owed by utilities and their VM contractors

performing vegetation management work.

7. Pursuant to the contract dated December 22, 2014, whether Wolf

was required to inspect and/or identify hazardous trees which

threatened the SCES power lines located along the Wears Valley

circuit.

8. Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment because

genuine issues of material fact existed concerning whether any

portion of the trees in question were located inside of the right of

way.

9. Whether the negligent inspection conduct complained of by

Plaintiffs constitutes either misfeasance or nonfeasance under

Tennessee law.

10. Whether an inspection for hazardous trees, which occurs jointly

between a utility and a vegetation management contractor or

independently by the contractor, is sufficient to establish a duty to do

so reasonably under Tennessee’s common law assumption of duty

doctrine.

-7-

11. Whether a genuine issue of material fact exists as to Plaintiffs’ claim

of negligent trespass.

12. Whether a genuine issue of material fact exists as to Plaintiffs’ claim

of nuisance.

Wolf restates the issues as follows:

1. Whether the trial court correctly held that Wolf had no duty to

inspect, remove, or otherwise make safe any trees located outside of

a contractual right of way, when (1) no statute imposes any such

duty, (2) the relevant contract imposed no such duty, and (3)

Tennessee common law imposes no such duty.

2. Whether the trial court correctly held that Wolf did not voluntarily

assume a duty to inspect, remove, or otherwise make safe any trees

located outside of a contractual right of way where the relevant

evidence and testimony demonstrated that Wolf did not actually

undertake those acts and the utility did not rely on Wolf to do so.

3. Whether the trial court correctly granted summary judgment in favor

of Wolf concerning Plaintiffs’ trespass claim when that claim

necessarily relied on Wolf’s alleged negligence, which Plaintiffs

could not prove.

4. Whether the trial court correctly granted summary judgment in favor

of Wolf concerning Plaintiffs’ nuisance claim when that claim

necessarily relied on Wolf’s alleged negligence, which Plaintiffs

could not prove.

III. Standard of Review

The grant or denial of a motion for summary judgment is a matter of law;

therefore, our standard of review is de novo with no presumption of correctness. See Rye

v. Women’s Care Ctr. of Memphis, MPLLC, 477 S.W.3d 235, 250 (Tenn. 2015); Dick

Broad. Co. of Tenn. v. Oak Ridge FM, Inc., 395 S.W.3d 653, 671 (Tenn. 2013) (citing

Kinsler v. Berkline, LLC, 320 S.W.3d 796, 799 (Tenn. 2010)). As such, this Court must

“make a fresh determination of whether the requirements of Rule 56 of the Tennessee

Rules of Civil Procedure have been satisfied.” Rye, 477 S.W.3d at 250. “Statutory

construction is a question of law that is reviewable on a de novo basis without any

presumption of correctness.” In re Estate of Tanner, 295 S.W.3d 610, 613 (Tenn. 2009).

-8-

As our Supreme Court has explained respecting the requirements for a movant to

prevail on a motion for summary judgment pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Civil

Procedure 56:

[W]hen the moving party does not bear the burden of proof at trial, the

moving party may satisfy its burden of production either (1) by

affirmatively negating an essential element of the nonmoving party’s claim

or (2) by demonstrating that the nonmoving party’s evidence at the

summary judgment stage is insufficient to establish the nonmoving party’s

claim or defense. We reiterate that a moving party seeking summary

judgment by attacking the nonmoving party’s evidence must do more than

make a conclusory assertion that summary judgment is appropriate on this

basis. Rather, Tennessee Rule 56.03 requires the moving party to support

its motion with “a separate concise statement of material facts as to which

the moving party contends there is no genuine issue for trial.” Tenn. R.

Civ. P. 56.03. “Each fact is to be set forth in a separate, numbered

paragraph and supported by a specific citation to the record.” Id. When

such a motion is made, any party opposing summary judgment must file a

response to each fact set forth by the movant in the manner provided in

Tennessee Rule 56.03. “[W]hen a motion for summary judgment is made

[and] . . . supported as provided in [Tennessee Rule 56],” to survive

summary judgment, the nonmoving party “may not rest upon the mere

allegations or denials of [its] pleading,” but must respond, and by affidavits

or one of the other means provided in Tennessee Rule 56, “set forth specific

facts” at the summary judgment stage “showing that there is a genuine issue

for trial.” Tenn. R. Civ. P. 56.06. The nonmoving party “must do more

than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material

facts.” Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co., 475 U.S. [574,] 586, 106 S. Ct. 1348,

[89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986)]. The nonmoving party must demonstrate the

existence of specific facts in the record which could lead a rational trier of

fact to find in favor of the nonmoving party. If a summary judgment

motion is filed before adequate time for discovery has been provided, the

nonmoving party may seek a continuance to engage in additional discovery

as provided in Tennessee Rule 56.07. However, after adequate time for

discovery has been provided, summary judgment should be granted if the

nonmoving party’s evidence at the summary judgment stage is insufficient

to establish the existence of a genuine issue of material fact for trial. Tenn.

R. Civ. P. 56.04, 56.06. The focus is on the evidence the nonmoving party

comes forward with at the summary judgment stage, not on hypothetical

evidence that theoretically could be adduced, despite the passage of

discovery deadlines, at a future trial.

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Rye, 477 S.W.3d at 264-65. “Whether the nonmoving party is a plaintiff or a

defendant—and whether or not the nonmoving party bears the burden of proof at trial on

the challenged claim or defense—at the summary judgment stage, ‘[t]he nonmoving party

must demonstrate the existence of specific facts in the record which could lead a rational

trier of fact to find in favor of the nonmoving party.’” TWB Architects, Inc. v. The

Braxton, LLC, 578 S.W.3d 879, 889 (Tenn. 2019) (quoting Rye, 477 S.W.3d at 265).

Pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 56.04, the trial court must “state the legal

grounds upon which the court denies or grants the motion” for summary judgment, and

our Supreme Court has instructed that the trial court must state these grounds “before it

invites or requests the prevailing party to draft a proposed order.” See Smith v. UHS of

Lakeside, Inc., 439 S.W.3d 303, 316 (Tenn. 2014).

IV. Propriety of Grant of Summary Judgment in favor of Wolf

Concerning Claims of Negligence

The overarching issue presented by Plaintiffs questions whether the trial court

properly granted summary judgment in Wolf’s favor with respect to Plaintiffs’ assertion

that Wolf was negligent. In answer to this query, the trial court determined that Wolf

could not be held liable for negligence because Wolf owed no duty to inspect or remove

the trees at issue. Regarding a claim of negligence generally, our Supreme Court has

elucidated that such a claim requires proof of the following elements:

(1) a duty of care owed by the defendant to the plaintiff; (2) conduct by the

defendant falling below the standard of care amounting to a breach of that

duty; (3) an injury or loss; (4) cause in fact; and (5) proximate or legal

cause.

West v. E. Tenn. Pioneer Oil Co., 172 S.W.3d 545, 550 (Tenn. 2005). The High Court

went on to explain:

[T]he concept of duty has become an essential element in all negligence

claims. The duty owed to the plaintiffs by the defendant is in all cases that

of reasonable care under all of the circumstances. Whether the defendant

owed the plaintiffs a duty of care is a question of law to be determined by

the court.

Id. (internal citations omitted).

Plaintiffs argue that a duty existed by virtue of Wolf’s contract with SCES,

common law, public policy, statute, and/or various regulations. We will address each of

Plaintiffs’ arguments in turn.3

3

Plaintiffs also raised an issue concerning whether “genuine issues of material fact existed concerning

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A. Wolf’s Contractual Duties

Plaintiffs postulate that Wolf owed a duty to inspect for, prune, and/or remove

trees that posed a hazard to electrical lines and conductors by reason of its contract with

SCES. Our review necessarily focuses on the relevant contractual language. Wolf’s

contract with SCES (“the Contract”), dated December 22, 2014, provided in pertinent

part:

This contract is for tree trimming and other vegetation management for the

SCES distribution circuit WV 103-224 containing approximately 43.11

miles of distribution power line. SCES agrees to contract [Wolf] . . . to

perform tree and other vegetation trimming within proximity of SCES

power lines and other equipment per provided specifications, requirements

and mandates. SCES also agrees to contract [Wolf] for other utility

forestry services as deemed necessary by SCES as specified in submitted

contractor bid (UNIT PRICING BIDSHEET; TIME AND MATERIALS

BIDSHEET) of said circuit.

***

[Wolf] shall faithfully uphold and observe all of the qualifications,

requirements, stipulations and mandates contained within Sevier County

Electric System Right-of-Way Vegetation Management Requirements &

Standards.

***

whether any portion of the trees in question were located inside of the right of way.” However, because

Plaintiffs failed to include argument concerning this issue in the argument section of their brief, we

determine this issue to be waived. See Hodge v. Craig, 382 S.W.3d 325, 335 (Tenn. 2012) (“An issue

may be deemed waived, even when it has been specifically raised as an issue, when the brief fails to

include an argument satisfying the requirements of Tenn. R. App. P. 27(a)(7).”); Banks v. Elks Club Pride

of Tenn. 1102, 301 S.W.3d 214, 227 (Tenn. 2010) (“[The appellant] has waived the issue regarding his

entitlement to attorney’s fees by failing to brief and argue the issue.”); Newcomb v. Kohler Co., 222

S.W.3d 368, 400-01 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2006) (“The failure of a party to cite to any authority or to construct

an argument regarding his position on appeal constitutes waiver of that issue.”).

Although Plaintiffs attempt to argue in their reply brief that other questions of fact exist precluding

summary judgment, we cannot consider such arguments inasmuch as the arguments were advanced for

the first time in a reply brief. See Denver Area Meat Cutters & Emprs. Pension Plan v. Clayton, 209

S.W.3d 584, 594 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2006) (“An appellant cannot abandon an argument advanced in his brief

and advance a new argument to support an issue in the reply brief.”); see generally Shaw v. Gross, No.

W2017-00441-COA-R3-CV, 2018 WL 801536, at *4, n.5 (Tenn. Ct. App. Feb. 9, 2018).

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[Wolf] hereby assumes entire responsibility and liability in and for any and

all damages or injury of any kind or nature whatsoever to all persons,

whether its employees or otherwise, and to all property, growing out of or

resulting from the execution of the work provided for in this Contract or

occurring in connection therewith. [Wolf] agrees to defend, indemnify and

save harmless SCES and/or the City of Sevierville . . . from and against any

and all losses and expenses, including court costs and attorney’s fees,

damages or injury growing out of or resulting from or occurring in

connection with the execution of the work herein provided for; provided,

however, that [Wolf] will not be held liable for loss of life or injury or

damage to person or property due to the sole negligence of SCES, its

agents, officers, servants or employees. This provision shall survive the

termination or expiration of this Contract.

The document referenced in the Contract, “Sevier County Electric System Right-

of-Way Vegetation Management Requirements & Standards” (“SCES Manual”),

provides in relevant part:

1.1 Objectives

[SCES’s] Vegetation Management (VM) program actively manages

vegetation contained within rights-of-way that may come in contact with

high voltage power lines and/or other infrastructure equipment to:

A. Ensure safety to people, pets and property;

B. Ensure reliable electricity to customers;

C. Maintain accessible power line rights-of-way;

D. Provide and/or enhance habitat for desirable vegetation and

wildlife species.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of these specifications is to provide direction for the proper

pruning and management of trees, shrubs, vines and other vegetation which

are in contact with, or have the potential to come in contact with power

lines as located within rights-of-way, easements or pruning zones. All

pruning of trees, shrubs, vines and other vegetation shall be in accordance

with Tree Line USA requirements as described in:

A. “Pruning Trees Near Electrical Utility Lines: A Field Guide

for Qualified Line-Clearance Workers” by Dr. Alex Shigo;

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B. “Best Management Practices – Utility Pruning of Trees” by

The International Society of Arboriculture;

C. ANSI A300 guidelines.

***

2.2 Clearance Minimums: Transmission Lines, Distribution Lines,

Secondaries, Street Lights and Service Drops

A. Transmission Lines: All pruning within transmission line

rights-of-way will require close coordination between

CONTRACTOR and SCES. Pruning of trees near

transmission conductors may require the line to be de-

energized. This will be coordinated between

CONTRACTOR’s Supervisor and SCES Project

Representative. Clearance of transmission lines is both

weather and load dependent and may not be available upon

request. Clearances should be requested a minimum of forty-

eight (48) hours in advance of work. All overhanging limbs

shall be removed. All brush and trees less than seven (7)

inches in diameter, excluding landscape-quality and

ornamental trees located in maintained property owner’s

yards, shall be removed from the right-of-way and all brush

chipped. All trees seven (7) inches and larger in diameter

located in the right-of-way shall be removed only at the

direction of SCES or SCES Project Representative and at the

bid-submitted unit pricing. All side-pruning of trees shall be

a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the energized

conductor. See Section II: Minimum Clearances-

Transmission Lines (69kV) in Appendix.

The transmission right-of-way shall be mechanically cleared

(i.e. mowed) utilizing a bush-hog and/or a fecon to a

minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the centerline of the

line or a total of fifty (50) feet unless otherwise noted on the

map or drawing; or so directed by SCES or SCES Project

Representative.

***

Distribution Lines: All distribution line rights-of-way shall

be cleared to a minimum of ten (10) feet from all energized

conductors (including poles). Single-, two- and three-phase

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distribution lines are not permitted through trees. All over-

hanging limbs shall be removed. Leaving over-hanging limbs

will only be considered in certain safe conditions, but in no

case will a clearance of less than ten (10) feet be allowed. All

diseased, weak and dead limbs above all conductors shall be

removed. The final decision regarding leaving over-hanging

limbs will rest solely with SCES or SCES Project

Representative. See Section I. Minimum Clearances-Primary

Power Lines in Appendix.

***

B. Secondary Conductors: Secondary conductors shall be

pruned a minimum of ten (10) feet. The definition of a

“Secondary Conductor” for tree pruning is as follows: open

three wire or triplex conductors that carry current from the

secondary side of a distribution transformer to a lift pole or

poles serving more than one customer. Secondary conductors

shall be pruned from the connection at the transformer to the

last lift pole.

***

D. Service Drops: The definition of “Service Drop” is as

follows: secondary conductors, which carry current from the

secondary side of a distribution transformer to a single

customer connection or from the last lift pole serving more

than one customer. CONTRACTOR does not prune Service

drops.

2.3 Tree Pruning

The following SCES Vegetation Management practices are in

accordance with Tree Line USA requirements as described in “Best

Management Practices-Utility Pruning of Trees” and/or “Pruning

Trees Near Electric Utility Lines: A Field Guide for Qualified Line-

Clearance Workers” by Alex Shigo and ANSI A300 tree pruning

standards. CONTRACTOR shall provide Dr. Shigo’s field guides to

each crew who performs line clearance pruning. This guide will be

available at each work site as a quick reference. Specifically, the

following practices shall be followed:

***

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D. All dead branches overhanging primary lines at any height

shall be removed.

***

K. Special effort shall be made to eliminate all tree parts and

growth points beneath the power lines, and all weak, diseased

and dead limbs above the power lines, which may fall or blow

into them.

***

2.4 Tree, Brush and Vine Removal

A. All trees less than seven (7) inches in diameter that will

require pruning in future years shall be removed from the

right-of-way, with the exception of low-growing trees (i.e.

dogwoods, redbuds or ornamental trees) and landscape

quality trees. . . .

B. If CONTRACTOR is instructed by the property owner that he

wishes to have any trees seven (7) inches and larger in

diameter removed, CONTRACTOR shall inform SCES or

SCES Project Representative of the request immediately.

CONTRACTOR shall not remove trees seven (7) inches and

larger in diameter until approval is received from SCES or

SCES Project Representative. . . .

***

D. All hazardous trees (tall, dead, dying or leaning over primary

power lines) located outside of the right-of-way and/or

pruning zone shall be removed at the sole discretion of SCES

or SCES Project Representative. . . .

***

3.8 Evaluations and Completion

A. SCES or SCES’s Project Representative will evaluate

CONTRACTOR performance for each circuit at the

conclusion of the work based on components such as pruning

- 15 -

techniques, worksite cleanliness, quantity of work, quality of

work, customer relations, responsiveness to problems and

their resolution and effectiveness in completing work without

rework. CONTRACTOR shall be provided with a copy of

the evaluation report upon written request. CONTRACTOR

performance evaluations shall be utilized concerning future

vegetation management CONTRACTOR bids.

Based on Wolf’s statement of undisputed facts and Plaintiffs’ response thereto, the

parties herein have agreed that the electrical lines “located near the location of the Little

Cove Fire are transmission lines.” As such, according to the Contract, Wolf was to clear

the area “to a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from the centerline of the line or a total

of fifty (50) feet unless otherwise noted on the map or drawing; or so directed by SCES

or SCES Project Representative.” No proof has been presented that Wolf was directed to

clear any areas beyond the twenty-five foot minimum on either side of the transmission

lines, although Plaintiffs presented proof that Wolf did remove trees outside the right of

way in certain instances when SCES directed or authorized Wolf to do so.

The primary question here, however, is whether Wolf maintained a duty, pursuant

to the Contract, to inspect, remove, or recommend for removal any trees outside the

twenty-five foot right of way on either side of the transmission lines. Although some

dispute exists in this matter concerning the exact location of the two trees that Plaintiffs

have identified as hazardous and as a potential cause of the Little Cove Fire, it is

undisputed that the trunks of those trees were located more than twenty-five feet from the

centerline of the transmission lines and were thus outside the minimum clearance for the

right of way as specified in the Contract.

In their appellate brief, Plaintiffs rely on the Contract’s language stating that all

pruning of vegetation by Wolf “shall be in accordance with Tree Line USA

requirements” as described in:

A. “Pruning Trees Near Electrical Utility Lines: A Field Guide for

Qualified Line-Clearance Workers” by Dr. Alex Shigo;

B. “Best Management Practices – Utility Pruning of Trees” by The

International Society of Arboriculture;

C. ANSI A300 guidelines.

Plaintiffs advance the argument that these “requirements,” specifically the ANSI A300

guidelines and the “Best Management Practices” published by the International Society

of Arboriculture, obligated Wolf to inspect trees outside the right of way that had the

potential to affect the utility lines. Plaintiffs specifically assert that the above-referenced

guidelines required Wolf to perform a visual inspection of any trees outside the right of

way that could possibly fall on or strike the transmission lines in order to check for

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obvious defects and that Wolf should have reported the location of such trees to SCES so

that SCES could make a decision about their removal. Plaintiffs cite various portions of

the ANSI A300 guidelines, specifically Parts 7 and 9, as supportive of their arguments.

By way of example, Plaintiffs particularly cite Part 7, section 75.2, which

provides:

Trees and tree branches with the potential to affect utility facilities should

be monitored for risk, and pruned or removed as appropriate (refer to ANSI

A300 Part 9 – Tree Risk Assessment). Monitoring intervals, action

thresholds and methods for mitigation shall be determined by the type of

facility, regulatory requirements, and available resources.

ANSI A300, Part 9, concerns tree risk assessment and discusses the various levels of

assessment that should be performed, how any risks detected should be analyzed, and

how those risks should be reported. Section 93.6.4.1 clearly states: “It shall be the

responsibility of the owner, the owner’s agent, or the controlling authority to schedule

repeat or advanced assessments, determine actions, and implement follow-up

recommendations, monitoring, and/or mitigation.” However, Plaintiffs contend that Part

9 generally supports their position that Wolf had a duty to inspect for hazardous trees.4

The core of the issue presented here is one of contract interpretation. As our

Supreme Court has instructed:

We review issues of contractual interpretation de novo. We are guided by

well-settled principles and general rules of construction. “A cardinal rule

of contractual interpretation is to ascertain and give effect to the intent of

the parties.” Allmand [v. Pavletic], 292 S.W.3d [618,] 630 [(Tenn. 2009)]

(citing Allstate Ins. Co. v. Watson, 195 S.W.3d 609, 611 (Tenn. 2006)). We

initially determine the parties’ intent by examining the plain and ordinary

meaning of the written words that are “contained within the four corners of

the contract.” 84 Lumber Co. v. Smith, 356 S.W.3d 380, 383 (Tenn. 2011)

(citing Kiser v. Wolfe, 353 S.W.3d 741, 747 (Tenn. 2011)). The literal

meaning of the contract language controls if the language is clear and

unambiguous. Allmand, 292 S.W.3d at 630. However, if the terms are

ambiguous in that they are “susceptible to more than one reasonable

interpretation,” Watson, 195 S.W.3d at 611, we must apply other

4

Other portions of the ANSI A300 guidelines simply address proper tree pruning techniques, such as how

and where tree limbs should be cut in order to “prevent the loss of [utility] service, comply with mandated

clearance laws, prevent damage to equipment, maintain access, and uphold the intended usage of the

facility/utility space while adhering to accepted tree care performance standards.” Similarly, Dr. Shigo’s

“Field Guide” contains detailed drawings and instructions for the proper pruning of trees.

- 17 -

established rules of construction to aid in determining the contracting

parties’ intent. The meaning of the contract becomes a question of fact

only if an ambiguity remains after we have applied the appropriate rules of

construction.

Dick Broad., 395 S.W.3d at 659 (other internal citations omitted). Of course, when “an

executed agreement refers to other documents and makes the conditions of the other

documents part of the executed agreement, they will be interpreted together as the

agreement of the parties.” Burns v. Temperature Control Co., 371 S.W.2d 804, 806

(Tenn. Ct. App. 1962).

The instant Contract provided in pertinent part that Wolf was “to perform tree and

other vegetation trimming within proximity of SCES power lines and other equipment

per provided specifications, requirements and mandates” and to provide “other utility

forestry services as deemed necessary by SCES[.]” Attendant thereto, Wolf agreed to

“faithfully uphold and observe all of the qualifications, requirements, stipulations and

mandates contained within” the SCES Manual.

Interpreting the Contract and the SCES Manual together, see Burns, 371 S.W.2d at

806, and determining the parties’ intent by examining the plain and ordinary meaning of

the written words utilized therein, see Dick Broad., 395 S.W.3d at 659, it is clear that the

SCES Manual established the parameters and scope of the tree and vegetation trimming

and other forestry services that Wolf was to provide. The SCES Manual provided that

SCES’s vegetation management program was designed to “actively manage[] vegetation

contained within rights-of-way that may come in contact with high voltage power lines

and/or other infrastructure equipment” (emphasis added). According to the SCES

Manual, Wolf was to clear a minimum of twenty-five feet on either side of the

transmission lines and would remove all trees within such right of way that were less than

seven inches in diameter. The SCES Manual further provided that trees seven inches in

diameter and larger would be removed at the property owner’s request and with SCES

approval. Significantly, the SCES Manual provided that “hazardous trees,” defined as

“tall, dead, dying or leaning over primary power lines,” which were located outside the

right of way “shall be removed at the sole discretion of SCES or SCES Project

Representative.”

Upon our thorough review, we note that neither the Contract nor the SCES Manual

articulates any requirement that Wolf inspect trees outside the right of way to determine

whether they are hazardous or should be removed. Indeed, these documents do not

impose a duty upon Wolf to remove or seek approval to remove such trees, either.

Instead, any question concerning removal of trees located outside the right of way, like

the trees at issue here, is addressed to SCES’s sole discretion.

- 18 -

We note that Plaintiffs do not exclusively focus on the language contained within

the four corners of the Contract or the SCES Manual as creating a duty that Wolf would

inspect trees outside the right of way and recommend their removal; rather, Plaintiffs also

rely on provisions contained within the additional documents referred to in the SCES

Manual as “requirements” for proper tree “pruning” and argue that these additional

documents imposed a duty upon Wolf that the Contract and SCES Manual may not have.

The provision in the SCES Manual upon which Plaintiffs rely, however, states that its

purpose is to “provide direction for the proper pruning and management of trees, shrubs,

vines and other vegetation which are in contact with, or have the potential to come in

contact with power lines as located within rights-of-way, easements or pruning zones”

and that “pruning of trees, shrubs, vines and other vegetation shall be in accordance with

Tree Line USA requirements as described in” the ANSI A300 guidelines and the

accompanying “Best Management Practices” published by the International Society of

Arboriculture, as well as Dr. Shigo’s “Field Guide” (emphasis added).

As our Supreme Court has elucidated:

We first recognize the foundational principles in all of Tennessee

contract law. The common thread in all Tennessee contract cases—the

cardinal rule upon which all other rules hinge—is that courts must interpret

contracts so as to ascertain and give effect to the intent of the contracting

parties consistent with legal principles.

Also foundational to our jurisprudence is the principle that the rules

used for contract interpretation “have for their sole object ‘to do justice

between the parties, by enforcing a performance of their agreement

according to the sense in which they mutually understood it at the time it

was made.’” McNairy v. Thompson, 33 Tenn. 141, 149 (1853) (quoting

Chitty on Con. 73).

Individual Healthcare Specialists, Inc. v. BlueCross BlueShield of Tenn., Inc., 566

S.W.3d 671, 688 (Tenn. 2019) (other internal citations omitted). To that end, “the object

to be attained in construing a contract is to ascertain the meaning and intent of the parties

as expressed in the language used and to give effect to such intent if it does not conflict

with any rule of law, good morals, or public policy.” Planters Gin Co. v. Fed. Compress

& Warehouse Co., Inc., 78 S.W.3d 885, 890 (Tenn. 2002) (quoting 17 Am.Jur.2d,

Contracts, § 245).

Upon careful review, we determine the language of the Contract and the

incorporated SCES Manual to be clear and unambiguous.5 Wolf’s contractual duty was

5

Because the Contract and incorporated SCES Manual contain no ambiguity, we need not resort to the

use of parol evidence for interpretation, as Plaintiffs urge. See, e.g., Allstate Ins. Co. v. Watson, 195

- 19 -

to clear a minimum of twenty-five feet on either side of the transmission lines and

remove all trees within such right of way measuring less than seven inches in diameter.

Decisions regarding removal of trees seven inches in diameter or larger or trees located

outside the twenty-five foot right of way were left to the sole discretion of SCES. No

contractual duty of inspection was imposed upon Wolf for trees located outside the

twenty-five foot right of way.

According to the Contract and the SCES Manual, as concerning the proper

methods for “pruning” of trees and other vegetation, the guidelines presented in the

additional listed publications were to be followed. However, inasmuch as the Contract

and SCES Manual placed no duty upon Wolf to inspect trees outside the right of way,

much less to remove them unless directed to do so by SCES, such a duty could not be

added by reference to additional guidelines concerning only proper “pruning” methods.

As the trial court stated, “the contract between Wolf Tree and SCES imposed the duties

and the ANSI A300 provided instructions on how to carry out the duties appropriately, in

terms of making the appropriate cuts in the appropriate places.” By referring to these

additional guidelines in terms of proper pruning only, SCES clearly limited application of

those documents to pruning methods rather than to all subjects covered therein.

In short, the plain and ordinary meaning of the clear and unambiguous written

words “contained within the four corners of the contract,” see 84 Lumber Co. v. Smith,

356 S.W.3d 380, 383 (Tenn. 2011), provided that the additional guidelines referenced

were to be applied to methods of pruning only. These additional documents did not add

to or vary the terms of the contractual duties to which Wolf had agreed. Therefore,

because the language of the Contract imposed no duty upon Wolf to inspect for

hazardous trees located outside the right of way, the trial court properly granted summary

judgment to Wolf on that basis.

B. Statutory Duty

Plaintiffs additionally posit that Wolf has a statutory duty relative to its vegetation

management work because Tennessee has adopted the NESC as applicable to

maintenance and operation of Tennessee electrical lines, see Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-101-

104, and the NESC provides that hazardous trees posing a danger to utility facilities

should be pruned or removed. Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-101-104 (2013), found

within “Miscellaneous Safety and Environmental Regulations” in Title 68 of the

Tennessee Code, provides in relevant part:

(a) The American National Standard Electrical Safety Code, edition

dated August 1, 2011, prepared and published by the Institute of

Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., 345 East 47th Street, New

S.W.3d 609, 612 (Tenn. 2006).

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York, New York, 10017, is adopted by the general assembly for

application for all processes within the state of Tennessee as the

official electrical safety code, to provide a standard for safeguarding

of persons from hazards arising from the installation, operation, or

maintenance of:

(1) Conductors and equipment in electric-supply stations; and

(2) Overhead and underground electric-supply and

communication lines, and work rules for the construction,

maintenance, and operation of electric-supply and

communication lines and equipment, and the provisions of

such National Electrical Safety Code are adopted herein by

reference and shall not be copied in the codified sections or

provisions of the Tennessee Code.

In support of their argument that the NESC imposes a statutory duty upon Wolf,

Plaintiffs rely particularly on Section 218 of the NESC, which states: “Vegetation that

may damage ungrounded supply conductors should be pruned or removed. Vegetation

management should be performed as experience has shown to be necessary.”

Notwithstanding, as Wolf points out, a note to Section 218 provides that “right-of-way

limitations” should be considered as one of the “[f]actors . . . in determining the extent of

vegetation management required.” Another such factor is the “vegetation’s location in

relation to the conductors.” As a second note to Section 218 provides: “It is not practical

to prevent all tree-conductor contacts on overhead lines.”

The trial court determined that the above-referenced NESC provision “imposes no

explicit duty on vegetation management contractors,” further explaining that although the

NESC “may state a standard for utility companies, it does not explicitly impose a duty on

contractors.” Our consideration of the NESC provisions contained in the appellate record

leads to the conclusion that it is designed to serve as a “standard (or basis of the standard)

of safe practice for public and private utilities in the United States,” as stated in its

introduction (emphasis added). Accordingly, any duty to prune or remove vegetation that

could impact electrical supply lines would lie first and foremost with SCES. However, as

Plaintiffs note, some authority exists supporting the position that utilities can delegate

certain duties respecting the “maintenance” of utility systems to independent contractors.

See, e.g., Dempsey v. Correct Mfg. Corp., 755 S.W.2d 798, 806 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1988)

(explaining that “maintenance or alteration of . . . objects in proximity to the system

which are not directly involved in the carrying of electrical energy is a matter which may

be committed to independent contractors” while also explaining generally that “tree-

cutting” is not included in “maintaining” utilities as used in the NESC and other

regulations). As such, whether or not the NESC was intended to apply to contractors

- 21 -

employed by utilities, it appears that utilities can delegate certain duties thereunder to

independent contractors under appropriate circumstances. See id.

Assuming, arguendo, that SCES could properly delegate its duty, pursuant to the

NESC, to Wolf for pruning or removal of vegetation that might damage ungrounded

supply conductors, any question relative to the parameters and scope of the duty

delegated to Wolf would be controlled by the parties’ Contract. See, e.g., Frazee v. Med

Ctr. Inns of Am., Inc., No. 01A01-9301-CV-00034, 1993 WL 312674, at *4 (Tenn. Ct.

App. Aug. 18, 1993) (explaining that when a party delegates a duty to another, the

respective duties of each are delineated by their contractual agreement). We reiterate that

the Contract only required Wolf to remove trees located within the right of way and

measuring less than seven inches in diameter without SCES’s authorization and/or

direction. The trees at issue here were undisputedly located outside the right of way.

Therefore, SCES maintained sole discretion as to their removal. Ergo, Plaintiffs’

assertion that Wolf owed a statutory duty to remove the trees at issue pursuant to the

NESC must fail for similar reasons that were fatal to Plaintiffs’ position that Wolf owed a

duty pursuant to the parties’ contract. We accordingly conclude that Wolf owed no

statutory duty to remove the trees at issue based on Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-101-

104 or the NESC, and we affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment as to this

issue.6

C. Assumption of Common Law Duty

Plaintiffs contend that because Wolf, on occasion, performed visual inspections of

trees existing both inside and outside the right of way while it performed vegetation

pruning and removal under the Contract, Wolf voluntarily assumed a duty to perform

such inspections outside the right of way defined in the Contract and to identify

hazardous trees for pruning or removal. Plaintiffs rely on the common law statement of a

general principle found in Biscan v. Brown, 160 S.W.3d 462, 482-83 (Tenn. 2005), that:

“One who assumes to act, even though gratuitously, may thereby become subject to the

duty of acting carefully” (quoting Stewart v. State, 33 S.W.3d 785, 793 (Tenn. 2000)).

As the trial court noted, this principle applies in situations where “a party has undertaken

to provide services to another” and where a third party “suffer[s] physical harm from the

negligent performance of the undertaking.” See Grogan v. Uggla, 535 S.W.3d 864, 873

(Tenn. 2017).

6

Plaintiffs also argue that the affidavit of their vegetation management expert, Michael Neal, opining that

“[Wolf’s] failure to adequately prune or remove the subject tree suffering from obvious structural defects

was a violation of the NESC statutory standard of care” was sufficient to establish a statutory duty. We

note, however, this Court’s previous instruction that “content meaning and application of statutes and

regulations are not a matter of fact to be proven by the affidavit of an expert witness, but are a matter of

law.” Dempsey, 755 S.W.2d at 806.

- 22 -

In further defining this principle, Tennessee courts have often cited with approval

Section 324A of the Restatement (Second) of Torts, which provides:

One who undertakes, gratuitously or for consideration, to render services to

another which he should recognize as necessary for the protection of a third

person or his things, is subject to liability to the third person for physical

harm resulting from his failure to exercise reasonable care to protect his

undertaking, if

(a) his failure to exercise reasonable care increases the risk of such

harm, or

(b) he has undertaken to perform a duty owed by the other to the third

person, or

(c) the harm is suffered because of reliance of the other or the third

person upon the undertaking.

See Grogan, 535 S.W.3d at 874. The question of whether a party has assumed such a

duty is a question of law. See id.; see also Biscan, 160 S.W.3d at 483.

Plaintiffs contend that Wolf should be deemed to have assumed a common law

duty to inspect for hazardous trees located beyond the right of way specified in the

Contract because each of the party witnesses who testified via deposition in this matter

affirmed that Wolf performed hazardous tree inspections outside the right of way.

Respectfully, our review of the deposition testimony presented demonstrates that

Plaintiffs’ argument is unpersuasive. For example, Jeff Hedrick, the corporate

representative for SCES, testified that trees were “typically” marked for removal by

SCES inspectors. Mr. Hedrick clarified that although the VM contractor could “point a

tree out,” the SCES inspector “will have the discretion whether to cut that tree or not.”

During this questioning, Mr. Hedrick made no distinction concerning whether he was

referring to trees located inside or outside the right of way.

Jared Underwood, a utility forester for SCES assigned to the circuit in question,

testified that he was present on the Wears Valley circuit daily while Wolf employees

were working. He also testified that he had inspected the circuit before Wolf began

work. Mr. Underwood expressly stated that it was his responsibility to identify trees for

removal and that he would “go ahead” of Wolf employees to mark trees that needed to be

removed. Mr. Underwood also related that although Wolf’s employees sometimes

pointed out a tree or requested that he look at a tree, the responsibility to identify trees for

removal was SCES’s. Mr. Underwood made no distinction in this testimony concerning

whether he was referring to trees located inside or outside the right of way.

- 23 -

Nathan Dunn, a vegetation inspector for SCES who worked on the separate Jones

Cove circuit, similarly testified that although Wolf employees at times asked him to look

at a particular tree or conferred with him about a tree, it was ultimately SCES’s

responsibility to identify trees for removal. Steven Springer, the supervisor of vegetation

management for SCES, testified that SCES employees were tasked with identifying

hazardous trees and had the final say on whether trees seven inches in diameter or larger

were removed. Mr. Springer added that although VM contractors were not required to

notify SCES regarding trees that needed to be removed outside the right of way, they did

so at times. However, Mr. Springer clarified that removal of trees outside the right of

way was SCES’s “call.”

Daniel Allen, a former employee of Wolf who served as a supervisor for the

Wears Valley circuit during the relevant time frame, testified that while he sometimes

pointed out trees to the SCES inspector that he felt needed to be removed within the right

of way, he would only mention a tree outside the right of way if it was “noticeable.”

David Jackson, the operations manager for Wolf during the applicable time frame,

testified that he inspected the circuit before Wolf bid on the job and helped calculate the

cost of the work for bidding purposes. Notably, Mr. Jackson did not state that he had

inspected any trees located outside the right of way or that he had marked any such trees

for potential removal.

In considering the above-referenced testimony in light of Plaintiffs’ claim of

voluntary assumption of a common law duty, we find the Supreme Court’s opinion in

Grogan to be instructive. See 535 S.W.3d at 873-876. In Grogan, the High Court was

asked to determine whether a residential home inspector, who had performed an

inspection of a home for a potential home buyer, could subsequently be held liable for the

injuries of a third party who fell from the home’s deck because the deck railing, which

was alleged to be improperly built, collapsed. Id. at 866. The injured party filed suit

against the home inspector and claimed, inter alia, that the inspector had performed a

negligent home inspection. Id.

The Grogan Court, in analyzing the negligence issue, considered whether Section

324A should apply and whether the inspector had undertaken a duty for the protection of

the injured third party. Id. at 874. In determining whether the inspector had actually

undertaken such a duty, the Court reviewed the inspector’s contract with the home owner

for a home inspection, deposition testimony, and the “relevant statutes and regulations.”

Id. at 874-75. Specifically, the plaintiff had alleged that the inspector failed to find that

the deck railing was non-compliant relative to the applicable building code, but the home

inspection contract stated that the inspection was “visual only and not a building code

inspection,” and the inspector testified that he was not a building codes inspector. Id. at

875. Furthermore, the contract stated that “[n]ot all conditions may be apparent” and that

the inspector was not liable for “patent or latent defects in materials, workmanship, or

other conditions.” Id. Based primarily on limitations stated in the inspection contract

- 24 -

and the inspector’s testimony, the Court determined that the inspector had not voluntarily

assumed any duty beyond that which he owed to his client pursuant to their agreement.

Id. at 876.

Similarly, here, the Contract and incorporated SCES Manual expressly provide

that SCES has sole discretion concerning the removal of trees located outside the right of

way, and no duty to inspect for hazardous trees outside the right of way is imposed upon

Wolf. The deposition testimony unequivocally established that trees located outside the

right of way were only removed with SCES’s express authorization. Moreover, although

there existed some testimony that Wolf employees occasionally pointed out trees that

they believed should be removed, the duty to inspect for such trees outside the right of

way belonged to SCES. Mr. Underwood, who worked daily on the Wears Valley circuit,

testified that he proceeded ahead of Wolf’s employees to mark trees for removal and that

identification of such trees was SCES’s responsibility. Mr. Allen, also present daily on

that circuit, testified that he only mentioned a tree for removal authorization outside the

right of way if it was “noticeable.” Based on the facts presented concerning Wolf’s

agreement with SCES and the respective deposition testimony, we conclude that the trial

court correctly determined that Wolf did not voluntarily assume a common law duty to

inspect for hazardous trees located outside the right of way.

D. Imposition of Common Law Duty and Misfeasance/Nonfeasance

Plaintiffs also rely on a “common law duty” with respect to their negligence claim

against Wolf. Tennessee common law recognizes that duty consists of a “legal obligation

to conform to a reasonable person standard of care in order to protect others against

unreasonable risks of harm.” Satterfield v. Breeding Insulation Co., 266 S.W.3d 347, 355

(Tenn. 2008). As our Supreme Court explained:

As a general rule, persons have a duty to others to refrain from engaging in

affirmative acts that a reasonable person “should recognize as involving an

unreasonable risk of causing an invasion of an interest of another” or acts

“which involve[] an unreasonable risk of harm to another.” Restatement

(Second) of Torts §§ 284, 302, at 19, 82 (1965). Thus, if an individual

“acts at all, [he or she] must exercise reasonable care to make his [or her]

acts safe for others.” Restatement (Second) of Torts § 4 cmt. b, at 8. The

core of negligence is the violation of this requirement by engaging in

“behavior which should be recognized as involving unreasonable danger to

others.” W. Page Keeton, Prosser and Keeton on the Law of Torts § 31, at

169 (5th ed.1984) [hereinafter “Prosser and Keeton”].

These rules do not, however, require that persons always act

reasonably to secure the safety of others. Rather, they serve a more limited

role as restraints upon a person’s actions that create unreasonable and

- 25 -

foreseeable risks of harm to others. Expounding upon this point more than

a century ago, Professor Francis H. Bohlen asserted that “[t]here is no

distinction more deeply rooted in the common law and more fundamental

than that between misfeasance and non-feasance, between active

misconduct working positive injury to others and passive inaction, a failure

to take positive steps to benefit others, or to protect them from harm not

created by any wrongful act of the defendant.”

Id. at 355-56 (quoting Francis H. Bohlen, The Moral Duty to Aid Others as a Basis of

Tort Liability, 56 U. PA. L. REV. 217, 219 (1908)).

The Satterfield Court further elucidated:

Professor Bohlen is not the only scholar to offer an eloquent and

enlightening articulation of the distinction between misfeasance and

nonfeasance. Dean Keeton and Dean Prosser explained the distinction as

follows:

In the determination of the existence of a duty, there runs

through much of the law a distinction between action and

inaction. . . . [T]here arose very early a difference, still

deeply rooted in the law of negligence, between

“misfeasance” and “nonfeasance”—that is to say, between

active misconduct working positive injury to others and

passive inaction or a failure to take steps to protect them from

harm. The reason for the distinction may be said to lie in the

fact that by ‘misfeasance’ the defendant has created a new

risk of harm to the plaintiff, while by ‘nonfeasance’ he has at

least made his situation no worse, and has merely failed to

benefit him by interfering in his affairs.

Prosser and Keeton § 56, at 373.

Id. at 356 (footnote omitted).

Plaintiffs advance that Wolf’s alleged failure to properly inspect for or remove the

hazardous trees at issue constitutes misfeasance rather than nonfeasance. Plaintiffs

predicate their assertion of misfeasance in part on their position that Wolf owed a

heightened duty of care to the public pursuant to Tennessee common law “commensurate

with the extreme danger posed by the electrical power lines.”

In support of their postulate, Plaintiffs rely on this Court’s opinions in Rogers v.

City of Chattanooga, 281 S.W.2d 504, 508 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1954) (“[T]he City was

- 26 -

required not only to install or erect the uninsulated high-tension wires, which carried

death for anyone who came in contact with them, at a safe height above the ground, but . .

. was also under a duty to patrol and inspect said lines at frequent intervals to see that the

lines did not later become unsafe and dangerous by changing conditions, such as,

overhanging tree branches, erection of buildings, etc.”); Int’l Harvester Co. v. Sartain,

222 S.W.2d 854, 867 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1948) (“One who deals with an article which is

imminently dangerous owes a public duty to all to whom it may come and who may be

endangered thereby to exercise caution adequate to the peril involved[.]”); and Rollins v.

Elec. Power Bd. of Metro. Gov’t of Nashville & Davidson Cnty., No. M2003-00865-

COA-R3-CV, 2004 WL 1268431, at *6 (Tenn. Ct. App. June 8, 2004) (“It is the supplier

of electricity who is charged with the heightened duties for public safety[.]”). The

obvious distinction between the case at bar and Rogers, Sartain, and Rollins, however, is

that in those cases, the “heightened” duty being analyzed belonged to the owner or

operator of the electrical lines, not a private contractor hired to manage vegetation. As

the trial court observed, “[Wolf] is not a utility and [Wolf] was not in control of

electricity or the electrical lines in any way[.]” As such, the cases from this Court relied

upon by Plaintiffs for imposition of a heightened duty are unavailing.

Plaintiffs also cite a decision from the California Court of Appeals, CHY Co. v.

Util. Tree Servs., Inc., No. C054697, 2008 WL 4838684, at *2 (Cal. Ct. App. Nov. 10,

2008), as authority for the contention that a VM contractor’s improper performance of

tree inspections constitutes misfeasance rather than nonfeasance. Plaintiffs’ reliance is

again misplaced for at least two reasons. First, the vegetation management contractor in

CHY had a contractual duty to inspect for hazardous trees, whereas Wolf did not. See id.

Second, although “cases from other jurisdictions are sometimes persuasive in this Court,

they do not operate as controlling authority.” Wofford v. M.J. Edwards & Sons Funeral

Home Inc., 490 S.W.3d 800, 817 n.12 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2015). We therefore determine

CHY to be unavailing as well.

Plaintiffs also place special emphasis on the factors listed in Satterfield concerning

utilization of a balancing test for foreseeability and gravity of harm in determining a

defendant’s duty. We emphasize, however, that in instances where the defendant has

made the plaintiff’s situation no worse (nonfeasance), there is generally no duty to act.

See Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 356. Exceptions to this rule exist for certain special

relationships between the parties, none of which are applicable to the parties herein. Id.

at 359. The Satterfield balancing test and its applicability in situations concerning

misfeasance versus nonfeasance was succinctly explained by this Court in Koczera v.

Steele, 570 S.W.3d 242, 247-49 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2018):

“As a general rule, persons have a duty to others to refrain from

engaging in affirmative acts that a reasonable person ‘should recognize as

involving an unreasonable risk of causing an invasion of an interest of

another’ or acts ‘which involve[] an unreasonable risk of harm to another.’”

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Satterfield v. Breeding Insulation Co., 266 S.W.3d 347, 355 (Tenn. 2008)

(quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts §§ 284, 302, at 19, 82 (1965)).

Such affirmative acts are known as “misfeasance.” Giggers [v. Memphis

Hous. Auth.], 277 S.W.3d [359,] 364 [(Tenn. 2009)].

Conversely, “nonfeasance” is “passive inaction or a failure to take

steps to protect [others] from harm.” Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 356

(quoting W. Page Keeton, Prosser and Keeton on the Law of Torts § 56

(5th ed. 1984)).

As for nonfeasance, Tennessee’s courts generally have

declined to impose a duty to act or to rescue. Bradshaw v.

Daniel, 854 S.W.2d [865,] 870 [(Tenn. 1993)]; Newton v.

Tinsley, 970 S.W.2d [490,] 492 [(Tenn. Ct. App. 1997)].

Simply stated, persons do not ordinarily have a duty to act to

protect others from dangers or risks except for those that they

themselves have created. Biscan v. Brown, 160 S.W.3d 462,

478-79 (Tenn. 2005); Nichols v. Atnip, 844 S.W.2d 655, 661

(Tenn. Ct. App. 1992).

Tennessee’s general rule with regard to nonfeasance is

consistent with the Restatement’s position that “[t]he fact . . .

the actor realizes or should realize that action on his part is

necessary for another’s aid or protection does not of itself

impose upon him a duty to take such action.” Restatement

(Second) of Torts § 314, at 116. This general and long-

standing principle of tort law [is] often termed either the “no

duty to act rule” or the “no duty to rescue rule”. . . .

Id. at 357.

However, in order to mitigate the harshness of the common law rule,

our courts have recognized certain exceptions where “the defendant has a

special relationship with either the individual who is the source of the

danger or the person who is at risk,” such as between a landlord and tenant.

Giggers, 277 S.W.3d at 364. Thus, under Tennessee law, “‘while an actor

is always bound to prevent his acts from creating an unreasonable risk to

others, he is under the affirmative duty to act to prevent another from

sustaining harm only when certain socially recognized relations exist which

constitute the basis for such legal duty.’” Turner v. Jordan, 957 S.W.2d

815, 818 (Tenn. 1997) (quoting Bradshaw, 854 S.W.2d at 871).

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In her deposition, Ms. Steele stated that a sheriff’s deputy arrived at

the office where she worked on September 29, 2008, and asked her if she

was the office manager, to which she responded “yes.” According to Ms.

Steele, he handed her “papers for Dr. O’Connor,” but she did not know

what the papers were “until after [she] had them.” She could not remember

the officer explaining to her what the papers were, and the two did not

discuss whether or not she was authorized to accept process on Dr.

O’Connor’s behalf. After he left, she handed the documents to Dr. Pearson.

The issue here is one of characterization. Plaintiffs argue that both

Ms. Steele and Dr. Pearson had a duty to inform the sheriff’s deputy who

delivered the documents for Dr. O’Connor that they were not authorized to

accept process on Dr. O’Connor’s behalf—or at least to inquire about the

nature of the delivered papers. Plaintiffs characterize this as a “duty to

disclose” or a “duty not to interfere.” Still, the crux of Plaintiffs’ argument

is that Defendants had a duty to take some action to correct the officer’s

error in serving process on one not authorized to accept it. There is,

however, no special relationship recognized at law between Defendants and

Plaintiffs that qualifies as an exception to the “no duty to act rule.”

Plaintiffs make much out of the trial court’s “fail[ure] to apply the

balancing test outlined in Satterfield to determine whether or not

Defendants[] had a duty.” The Tennessee Supreme Court explained the

balancing test Plaintiffs refer to as follows:

When the existence of a particular duty is not a given or when

the rules of the established precedents are not readily

applicable, courts will turn to public policy for guidance.

Doing so necessarily favors imposing a duty of reasonable

care where a defendant’s conduct poses an unreasonable and

foreseeable risk of harm to persons or property. When

conducting this analysis, the courts have considered, among

other factors: (1) the foreseeable probability of the harm or

injury occurring; (2) the possible magnitude of the potential

harm or injury; (3) the importance or social value of the

activity engaged in by the defendant; (4) the usefulness of the

conduct to the defendant; (5) the feasibility of alternative

conduct that is safer; (6) the relative costs and burdens

associated with that safer conduct; (7) the relative usefulness

of the safer conduct; and (8) the relative safety of alternative

conduct.

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Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 365 (citations and internal quotation marks

omitted). However, Plaintiffs erroneously characterize the alleged

negligence of Ms. Steele and Dr. Pearson as misfeasance rather than

nonfeasance. The balancing test above has generally been applied where a

defendant’s conduct poses an unreasonable and foreseeable risk of harm,

not a defendant’s inaction. See Grogan v. Uggla, 535 S.W.3d 864, 871-72

(Tenn. 2017) (declining to analyze the issue of duty under the “Satterfield

duty factors” where a defendant inspect[or] failed to identify a source of

harm during an inspection); see also, e.g., Burroughs v. Magee, 118 S.W.3d

323, 329-35 (Tenn. 2003); Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 365-69.

See also Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 355 (explaining that rules with respect to

“unreasonable risk” serve as “restraints upon a person’s actions that create” such risk).

Similarly, here, Plaintiffs erroneously characterize Wolf’s alleged failure to

inspect or remove hazardous trees as misfeasance; however, what Plaintiffs have alleged

is not “active misconduct working positive injury to others,” but rather “passive inaction”

on Wolf’s part or Wolf’s “failure to take steps to protect” Plaintiffs’ insureds from harm.

See Satterfield, 266 S.W.3d at 356. In essence, Plaintiffs have alleged nonfeasance, and

Wolf therefore maintained no common law duty to act. See id.

Plaintiffs also argue that the ANSI A300 standards represented an “industry

custom or practice” imposing a duty upon Wolf to inspect for hazardous trees that could

impact the electrical lines. Plaintiffs urge that various witnesses testified via deposition

that compliance with these standards was mandated by the Contract. We reiterate that

although the ANSI A300 and other such standards were clearly applicable to pruning

methods pursuant to the language of the Contract, this fact does not warrant imposition of

an additional duty upon Wolf (to inspect for hazardous trees outside the right of way) for

which Wolf did not bargain in the Contract. Likewise, the fact that Plaintiffs’ expert, Mr.

Neal, opined that the ANSI standards or other regulations would apply to Wolf’s work as

a VM contractor does not necessarily mean that Wolf could be charged with a duty to

inspect trees located outside the right of way that Wolf had contractually agreed to

maintain. We again note that “content meaning and application of . . . regulations are not

a matter of fact to be proven by the affidavit of an expert witness, but are a matter of

law.” Dempsey, 755 S.W.2d at 806.

We accordingly conclude that Wolf owed no duty to Plaintiffs or their insureds in

this matter by virtue of its contract with SCES, Tennessee common law, public policy,

statute, or applicable regulations. We therefore affirm the trial court’s grant of summary

judgment in Wolf’s favor based on a lack of duty.

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V. Remaining Claims

Plaintiffs assert that the trial court improperly granted summary judgment as to

their remaining claims of negligent trespass and nuisance. As to their claim of negligent

trespass by fire, such claim is premised upon their allegation that Wolf negligently caused

the property of Plaintiffs’ insureds to be invaded by fire. In their brief, Plaintiffs cite

Section 165 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts, which states:

One who recklessly or negligently, or as a result of an abnormally

dangerous activity, enters land in the possession of another or causes a

thing or third person so to enter is subject to liability to the possessor if, but

only if, his presence or the presence of the thing or the third person upon

the land causes harm to the land, to the possessor, or to a thing or a third

person in whose security the possessor has a legally protected interest.

(Emphasis added.)

As the trial court properly reasoned, Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate

negligence on Wolf’s part due to lack of duty. Plaintiffs have likewise failed to prove

that Wolf acted recklessly or engaged in an abnormally dangerous activity. As such,

Plaintiffs cannot rely on the above Restatement section as a basis for imposing liability

on Wolf.

With respect to their remaining claim of nuisance, Plaintiffs argue that their claim

of nuisance is not dependent upon a finding of negligence, asserting that “nuisance may

exist either with or without negligence.” Roles-Walter v. Kidd, No. M2017-01417-COA-

R3-CV, 2018 WL 1920166, at *3 (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 24, 2018) (quoting Weakley Cnty.

v. W. L. Carney, 14 Tenn. App. 688, 1932 WL 1295, *3-4 (Tenn. Ct. App. March 31,

1932)). As the Roles-Walter Court proceeded to explain:

The distinction between “nuisance” and “negligence” has been stated as

follows:

When defendant is the creator of a dangerous situation, his liability therefor

is for a nuisance; but when defendant did not create a dangerous situation

but is nevertheless under a duty to remove the danger, failure to do so

involves a question of negligence. Another statement of the distinction is

that, where the damage is the necessary consequence of just what defendant

is doing, or is incident to the business itself or the manner in which it is

conducted, the law of negligence has no application and the law of nuisance

applies. It has also been said that the distinction lies in the fact that the

creation or maintenance of a nuisance is the violation of an absolute duty,

the doing of an act which is wrongful in itself, whereas negligence is the

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violation of a relative duty, the failure to use the degree of care required

under the particular circumstances in connection with an act or omission

which is not of itself wrongful.

Roles-Walter, 2018 WL 1920166, at *4.

Plaintiffs therefore appear to concede in their brief that Wolf can only be liable for

nuisance if Plaintiffs were able to establish that Wolf’s acts constituted misfeasance

rather than nonfeasance—in other words, if Wolf were the creator of the dangerous

condition. As the trial court correctly noted, inasmuch as Plaintiffs’ misfeasance

argument failed, so too would their nuisance claim. We agree and conclude that

summary judgment was properly granted in Wolf’s favor on Plaintiffs’ remaining claims.

VI. Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment

in Wolf’s favor concerning all of Plaintiffs’ claims. We remand this matter to the trial

court for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion and collection of costs assessed

below. Costs on appeal are assessed to the appellants, Allstate Property & Casualty

Insurance Company; Allstate Vehicle & Property Insurance Company; Allstate

Indemnity Company; Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company; Allstate Insurance

Company; Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company; Cincinnati Insurance Company;

Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Group; Farmers Insurance Exchange;

Foremost Insurance Company Grand Rapids, Michigan; Garrison Property and Casualty

Company; General Insurance Company of America; Homesite Insurance Company of the

Midwest; LM Insurance Corporation; Lexington Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual

Fire Insurance Co.; Metropolitan Property & Casualty Company; Safeco Insurance

Company of America; State Farm Fire & Casualty Company; State Farm Mutual

Automobile Insurance Company; United National Insurance Company; United Services

Automobile Association; USAA Casualty Insurance Company; and USAA General

Indemnity Company.

s/Thomas R. Frierson, II

_________________________________

THOMAS R. FRIERSON, II, JUDGE

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